The famer dharma

 When I first started up the veg box scheme about seventeen years ago round about 2003

 I had already been teaching yoga locally for about five years or so.

I'd put posters up in the old pre-internet style, giving contact details for anyone wishing to book in.

 So I'd get land line calls, asking about the details and nature of the classes.

And then - after a short while discussing the potential delights and benefits of Iyengar Yoga 

 I'd quite often get a tentative inquiry - 

"Umm you wouldn't happen to be the same 'Ruth' who does our veg box would you ??"

"Err yes actually -  'fraid so - that's me also..."

For some reason, i was a bit worried at being seen as a Jill of all trades - mistress of none perhaps ??

Which it turns out - is very probably the case -

In fact i don't actually think i'm the best ever  teacher - Nor do i expect to be.

- Neither for that matter, am i the most amazing grower of vegetables.

But I did eventually come to realise, after the usual years and years of imposter syndrome that plagues many of us. 

 That I am more than perfectly adequately OK at both - which is plenty enough.

 And that - in many ways - the doing of one - informs the better practice of the other.

Possibly I'm a better Yoga teacher for being a practical worker in the 'real world' - who understands the stress and strain, both physical and mental, of 'normal' everyday life -

 - Of having to get stuff done just because it must be done  - run a business - tackle all the problems of trying to be a 'good enough' farmer in the twenty first century.

Considering the needs of the farm, the crops, ecology, finances, workers and the community the farm nourishes.

It could be said to keep me grounded.

Meanwhile, practicing and teaching yoga requires a different sort of physical and mental discipline - alongside an ability to communicate and engage.

Happily all that strength, flexibility, and breath work, prevents me from being too badly broken physically mentally (and financially at times) by the farming.

So most of the time it's a positive feedback loop.

Within certain boundaries - There needs to be a degree moderation in all these complexities -

It can on occasion feel as if its all becoming almost overwhelmingly entangled - 

Theres 'being integrated' and then theres being caught up in something so very 'enmeshed' that it feels almost inescapable ..

And for someone who also requires a bit of space, time, and freedom to do other things, and pursue other interests - that needs keeping an eye on as well..

Its all too easy to overdo it - which is something I'm still learning to manage - but its getting better.

Hence the Farmer Dharma .

Doing earthculture as Yoga.

Doing Yoga as earthculture

Finding a balance in both these things.

But then, beyond all that, a balance in turn with all the other essential parts of life - 

Maintaining relationships, social life, political engagement, pure unadulterated fun, fulfilling pleasures, rest even. 

That last one seems a bit tricky for those of us who seem to be forever running towards, or away (?) from things.. 

Living and experiencing life with understanding, creativity, awareness and acceptance.

So of course - that requires a full understanding, and acceptance of the realities of the natural world -

Not just the fluffy loveliness of blossoming hedgerows, a well grown tomato, blue skies and seas, birdsong, and the joy of high mountain peaks - 

- But in addition to that - the less pleasant realities of physical hardship, persistent working, not giving up - feeling sad and low about stuff - times being difficult - and all the inevitable change decay, disease, and eventual death.

How to build a life that recognises and encompasses all these things, without compromising oneself, or anyone else beyond reasonable limits ??

This all needs further exploration with words and pictures i think ..

A regular posting, throughout the seasons .

  

Connecting up the medias - Podcast alert !!

If you are interested in listening to two reasonably well informed, 

but still, deeply curious women discussing food, farming, and climate change.

Then you can hop onto our "Licking the Whisk" Podcast here..

https://soundcloud.com/lickingthewhisk/ep3-dreaming-small

More blogging will be coming soon - but its "Access all Platforms" these days.

We are also on instagram @lickingthe whisk if you dig "The 'Gram" too..

Genius is seldom recognised...

In its own lunchtime...

Camping is what you do on your holidays..

When you go on your holidays; you camp.

 Or leastways that's how it's nearly always been for me.

Growing up in the UK in the seventies; that was what you did; especially if you were lucky enough to be taken to remoter spots for a 'lark about'.

And rocky areas were often chosen to visit; because my pa was a passionate geologist; both professionally, and by amateur (in the proper sense, of the word) inclination. So if some study could be undertaken whilst en famille....

As was; the norm in those days. Most of the practical provisioning for these expeditions would have been undertaken by my mother.

And I'm sure some designs such as this wouldn't have looked out of place in our sturdy ; much patched "mustn't touch the sides when its wet" canvas 'A' frame.

Was it a nostalgia trip? I don't know...

But I got a little carried away with the internet shopping the other day...

It was one of those "dare I?" moments.

"What if its awful?"

Some might judge it is a touch outre; but then taste (or lack of) is merely a matter of opinion.

Despite strongly held views to the contrary in some quarters.

Anyhow; tis done now.

A glorious; in my view; purple paisley to make a lightweight camping quilt.
No more being forced to lie 'tidily' to be comfortable..
Yoga all night long if I choose.

The pattern; puts me in mind of some of the wallpaper that the youngsters from last century;  might have perused at length, to work out the repetitions. We certainly knew how to make our own fun; back in those days...

Although I don't think I'm the only person who believes that allowing children; to find their own ways to entertain themselves; or even; whisper it; 
to be allowed to be bored...

Does wonders for their imaginations.

Even the hens were somewhat startled....... 1.6 oz polyester ripstop... Larks aplenty.

Unlikely that anyone; will want to borrow it either.

I have my mother to thank; very much indeed; for generously sharing her sewing skills with me. Being a dress-making teacher by profession; didn't stop her  pursuing needlecraft for her own pleasure; and practicality also.

  Plus; she possessed the patience, to pass on the knowledge. Combining just that right balance of 'here's how; give it a go; it's not the end of the world if you make some mistakes; there's plenty more fabric where that came from'  with the technical know-how.

Like her; I have a stash of irresistible multi-coloured yards; that will be made into something one day; when inspiration; or necessity strikes. 

Sometimes years later; exactly the job comes up... The hoarde doesn't take up so much room really. 

It's keeping the moths out that's the harder part. They seem particularly prevalent and hungry in dampish Devon. Putting infested stuff in the freezer to kill the eggs, works a treat.

Ma'  knew how to step back and let you get on with it. Knowing from her own experience, I guess, just how unhelpful it can be, having someone hovering over your every move, or wincing as you make some fumbling attempts. And never was overly quick to point out the so called 'flaws'. She would probably; more generously; have called them 'character'. 

However this particular piece of 'technical' fabric (very slippery Ma you wouldn't like it) cost enough; to make me think carefully before launching in with the scissors. 

And the bespoke design is going to be very specific to my own particular needs. 

Which is surely the whole point of making something for oneself? 

The cost of ready made items; so rarely reflects the actual work that's gone into them; if costed at a proper hourly rate... Familiar themes?

 There was a time when I made nearly all of my own garments. But I haven't attempted anything beyond the most basic 'run ups' for many a year.

This might, if time allows, be ready for the Autumn cycling and camping touring trip*. 

It particularly being aimed; with it's synthetic insulation; at wetter climes; where carefully tending to feathery down, with it's hatred of damp, isn't so possible.

yet another job to add to the list of projects. But one to look forward to as a challenge, rather than a chore. There might be a few calls made to the 'exclusive advice line' too...... Taking full advantage of a lifetimes worth of experience...

* Those clever 'Merry Cans' I think it was, coined the slightly pithier 'bikepacking' to describe this activity. Although I'm not sure if I am in truth, quite gnarly enough; to fully qualify as one of their number...

Especially as I have been known; to resort; rather wimpishly; to more luxurious accommodation if available at the right price...

Particularly if conditions prevailing are very moist.

http://broadviewfromasmallfarm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/just-decided.html

And a bit of 'awkward' silliness with mother in mind... She usually being of the opinion that life is far too important to be taken seriously.....           "Oh hello; sunshine!" 
Who could resist an aubergine with a ready made nose?  Not this yellow patty pan squash obviously. 

Steady Girls.....

Oh my!

A wood fired; steam driven engine; for motivating the saw mill.

A girl could come all over quite funny.

Housed in a barn (part wiggly tin roof) crafted from the planked Douglas Fir logs brought down by the hosses from the woods above.....

And plenty more timber for other projects besides; and thinnings for boiling the kettle for making the tea.

What more could one possibly want?

Look at the fly wheel on that !

Could be a contender for the WiTiAS annual photographic competition.

(Wiggly Tin Appreciation Society)

First meeting of UK DAPNET in Dorset. So nice to sit on dry grass, in the sunshine, and watch other folks and beasties working. Glorious Spring weather, a carpet of celandines.

Here discs being used  for ridging up, crops will be seeded into the top of the ridge.

Wiggly planks, storage shed made from the trees right here.

Taken down to the saw mill like this....

But I didn't come back with a big bottomed, feathery footed hoss'..... How's that for self control?

Lovely way of working, and people. Such larks playing in the woods and fields; under the guise of serious work.

But the Ford doesn't need daily feeds, nor, so long as the brakes are in order, does it risk, running off with it's load.

You know you've had a good weekend when you come home smelling of woodsmoke.....Really loud woodpeckers just outside the tent; first thing in the morning...But I didn't have to get up to attend to them, and someone else had got the communal porridge pot going...Camping Luxe; 'Hairy Farmer Style'.

http://www.draftanimalpower.org/home/dapnet/

Eostre Crafting...

Look! I made this myself; out of old pallets!

P'raps I should post a 'how to'  video later?

'Man Friday' on this 'Good Friday' would have been thrilled I'm sure.

If  he had been on hand to enjoy the,

"Once you've got a fire going; it isn't really work anymore", conclusion to the days labours....

However, despite having assured me that he would be reporting for duties on this bank holiday, my usual end of the week help, had to dash off to the aid of an apparently even needier friend..

Another of his favourite aphorisms:

"A real friend will help you move; a true friend will help you move a body...."

It wasn't quite that desperate. in fact this other mate had requested assistance with shifting a boat..... From Antigua.....To Gibraltar. So what was he to do? Hmmn...

My Ma' this time.... "That's the trouble with volunteers... You can't sack 'em...."

The purpose of today's conflagration; alongside practicing some axe - wielding 'butchcraft' was to burn last years haulm* off the metal mesh pea and bean supports. the peas are getting taller every day...

Something that Man Friday likes to take home most weeks; in addition to a supply of veg' ; is a new word. And 'haulm' was one such. That being the residue; stalks etc; left over after cropping; they go up with a beautiful crackle.

So, cheered by the flames, I got over my disappointment fairly swiftly; and reminded myself not to be curmudgeonly about other folks' expeditions.

 I did after all get to spend this Good Friday beavering by myself in the garden; something the usually office bound might be wishing to do all through the working week; every week. 

It could all be looked upon as 'self made luck'  whilst at the same time producing things of benefit to other folk too. So no business being grumpy whatsoever...

 Plus there are a few briefish jaunts outside the valley in the offing.

And besides; bodies can be moved by other means...

"It's Complicated"

I promised didn't I?

 That I would show you what Girl Monday does when she's not here weeding; helping move chickens; planting x y or z; or hoeing this, that, or the other....

She claims; quite erroneously; that she knows nothing about horticulture after having spent the last twelve years grafting for me.

Naturally she knows loads; but what she means is that she is quite happy not to be required to know.
Someone else is in charge ; she only has to do; not organise; not plan; not be an authority; not be answerable........

'Girl Monday' practises the art and craft of; and teaches; and researches; and writes books about; and runs a business supplying the materials for; Kumihimo.

The ancient, meticulously mathematical art, of Japanese braiding....One could very easily get horribly tangled up with it...

She's even been to those Isles to teach it back to them... Talk about 'Coals to Newcastle'...

Pictured above are many hand made braids stitched together, which eventually covered the whole surface area of a jacket. It might make one weep to calculate the hours of work involved. And if all those hours were charged; even at the minimum wage it would run into the thousands; but that is not what it's about...

All very well you might say for someone able to indulge in 'La di da' crafts whilst the rest of us have to go out and graft at a dull job to earn a living....

Yes indeed.

 GM can now make a living at doing what she does. But that doesn't mean there weren't many years of having margarine instead of butter; (ultimate sacrifice in my book) and folks hinting 'you could get a proper job with your qualifications / intelligence'. Years of wondering where the electricity bill payments were coming from; and so on.....

Now; for GM there are international teaching gigs; there are book orders; research grants coming in from all over; exciting commissions.  And that's all very well and satisfying when you can look back.....And know it worked out.

At the time with small children; swimming against the tide so to speak; wondering "am I being self indulgent?" Most folks could be forgiven for opting for a safer, more stable career path....

And then what? What is the point of all this 'art n craft n doing your thing' stuff?

 It is what makes us human perhaps?

Makes our hearts sing? It doesn't matter what it is....Some of us get it from climbing mountains; crocheting tea cosies; making (or eating) cheese; music; dancing; adorning our toenails; telling tall stories; studying particle physics; arguing the toss; growing fragrant flowers; painting our bedrooms pink; the list is endless.

Of course. first, we need to be able to fulfil our basic needs; food; shelter; safety for ourselves and at the very least our kin.
 But even whilst we satisfy those needs, something in us is looking for the other; the creative; our own voice; our own individual response to the wonderment of being alive; and here right now; on this incredible planet....

And then of course there's that:- 'This Planet'... Oh bugger!

 We all know that it isn't an infinite plain of infinite depth; with infinite resources to use and unlimited atmosphere to pollute.

But most of us; in the west at least; (myself very much included) live as if it were...

We know (if those pictures from space are to be believed) that we inhabit a tiny fragile unique spheroid of life; with the thinnest crust of usable soil; and that fresh water is a scarce miracle, and that the atmosphere has only so much capacity...

But at the same time; there is so much to see and do......

'Girl Monday' may (or may not depending on whether any burglars* are reading) have just gone off again; to the Far East; for her second fun jaunt that way this year...
She is fully aware that cycling here each Monday doesn't 'Greenwash Hogwash' Offset that.

I reckon that well over half the people I hold dearest have taken at least one long haul flight this last year, either for work or pleasure... Often both.
So with me being a environmentalist non flier you might think I would disapprove?

Well; "Its complicated"

 I love my friends, I want them to be happy and fulfilled, and have good times (just spare me too many details....)
And they are all switched on enough know the consequences of what they're doing.

And I know it doesn't make a gnats fart of a difference overall if I do; or don't fly.

We all have to decide individually upon lines that we will; or won't; cross to satisfy our desires...
And then of course those lines can shift.....

Another friend; who comes to help quite regularly at the field; has been up til now of the staunchly no flying camp.

But just recently has been offered work in backcountry Canada setting up (spot the glaring irony here) 'outdoor environmental education' programmes for children.

What to do? Principals; versus well paid work, kudos, and playing in the woods in Canada...

They would be crazy not to go....

It's relatively easy to have principals when you're not being overly tempted.....
But when you are? That's when the really hard work begins.....

As Oscar would have it.

"I can resist anything; except temptation"

And then qualifies with....

“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.”

Whilst I was checking the attribution was correct.... Dear, dear Google.... This; of his; also struck as apposite...

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” 

It is something we can all claim as being the worlds leading expert on....Being ourselves.... For good or ill.

And what that is, shifts, and is complicated.......

*She has housesitters BTW.....

https://www.careycompany.com/jacqui-carey

This Thing of Beauty....

Is indeed; a joy forever...

Birthday indulgence; to myself; last month....

But for less than the cost of a night in a mid range B&B; plus maybe a small vegetable offering; this felt like a pretty good deal.
I'll camp just one night more; next hols......

It is fiendishly difficult (for difficult read 'squirm inducingly nigh on impossible') for a lot of us; to promote our own works, produce of our labours, services, or what we might dare; if we're having a confident day; to call talents....

So it would seem churlish of me whilst Beth is having a clear out; not to pass on to you; the chance to get your hands on some of this utter gorgeousness; from a very talented; but modest lady; whilst it's still unfeasibly affordable; (and as you can see; adorable.)

And no; no commission in it for me; just a visual lift for years to come....Go on; how could you resist....?

https://www.artfinder.com/artist/beth-pearson/